Saw this on an ad banner. Similar deal to Key bank free iPod. Just finished redeeming my code and gift is in the mail.

https://www.efirstbank.com/products/checking-savings/personal-checking/free-checking.htm

Note: Only certain counties seem to work in CA. Riverside County is one that does.

details:
Flip UltraHD™ video camera offer valid for Free Checking accounts opened. Limit one gift award per household, per 24 month period. Limit one gift per account. FirstBank employees are not eligible to receive the gift. Minimum opening deposit of $50 required to receive the gift. We reserve the right to substitute the gift offered at any time. Limited time offer. The gift is redeemable online and a redemption code will be given at account opening. The cost of the gift is considered interest and is subject to IRS and other tax reporting. The cost of the gift is considered a bonus that can be revoked if the account is closed within six months of opening. We reserve the right to limit the amount of deposit.
Cisco, Flip UltraHD, Flip Video, and the Flip Video logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document or website are the property of their respective owners. Cisco and/or its affiliates are not participants in or sponsors of this promotion. Offer valid only for customers residing in FirstBank’s trade areas.

Please read before creating an account:
Most of us in California have discovered that our addresses are outside of the bank's "trade area" and are not eligible for the free FlipHD. I was told that the bank's "trade area" for California is Riverside County only.

If anyone from other California counties have successful confirmation that they will get the FlipHD camcorder, please post below.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Careful with closing this account after you get the FLIP.
The Fine Print: "The cost of the gift is considered a bonus that can be revoked if the account is closed within six months of opening. We reserve the right to limit the amount of deposit."

none in new york

Hmmm

Offer valid only for customers residing in FirstBank’s trade areas.

Not sure what that means. They're in my state, but a ways away.

Does anyone know if they'll do a hard pull on credit?

Hmmm

Offer valid only for customers residing in FirstBank’s trade areas.

Not sure what that means. They're in my state, but a ways away.

I didn't have to go into a branch to do anything. They mailed it all to me.

The minimum says $50 but it looks like you have to transfer $100 if you transfer from another account.

Does anyone know if they'll do a hard pull on credit?

I'm sure they will.

I'm sure they will.

eh, idk then.

It says the gift is redeemable online, to what website? Did you have to pay for shipping?

eh, idk then.

I just checked my score (CreditKarma) and it only dropped me a point. I forget which agency Credit Karma gives you.

I just checked my score (CreditKarma) and it only dropped me a point. I forget which agency Credit Karma gives you.

Have you opened up any other accounts in the last 30 days? That's good to hear if you haven't.

Only good for CA, AZ, and CO. OP change the title. 3 states, 130 locations.

Have you opened up any other accounts in the last 30 days? That's good to hear if you haven't.

nope.

Is this the Flip 3rd generation?

Only good for CA, AZ, and CO. OP change the title. 3 states, 130 locations.

done.

Is this the Flip 3rd generation?

Redemption page said "Flip UltraHD Video Camera, 1 hour"

i put my app through and it said i'd be contacted by the end of the business day to complete my application....did anyone else have this or was it completed right away?

i put my app through and it said i'd be contacted by the end of the business day to complete my application....did anyone else have this or was it completed right away?

I had the exact same thing.

I had the exact same thing.

What did that mean for you?

I had the exact same thing.
we'll see what happens in the morning i suppose.....


anyone know where i can go to swap out the 4gb FlipUltraHD for the 8gb?

where do you turn in the redemption? is it through the bank?

Hmm - not seeing the flip offer.

Nevermind - had to disable pop-up ad blocker first.

anyone know where i can go to swap out the 4gb FlipUltraHD for the 8gb?

Best Buy, but they will probably screw you with their "lowest price in the last 30 days" deal.

Hmm - not seeing the flip offer.

There's a huge banner at the top of the screen.

Hmm - not seeing the flip offer.

Look at the big banner at the top of the screen

https://www.efirstbank.com/_advertisements/_images/flipCameraFreeChecking1010-checking.png

where do you turn in the redemption? is it through the bank?

No. You will get a message in your online profile with the redemption key. Then you go to a website and pick what you want.

They did have some other items too but I forgot to write them down before I closed the webpage. I remember a 2GB iPod shuffle was another option.

What did that mean for you?

They just needed to verify information.

did anyone in CA try this?

How do you get your deposits out? Do you think they charge ATM fees?

How do you get your deposits out? Do you think they charge ATM fees?

Not sure. I'm not planning up using the account. There is no direct deposit required. So I'm just doing the initial transfer, getting the camera, waiting 6 months, closing account.

I never heard of this bank. Is this a legit bank? I hope it's not some scam site trying to get your personal info. Someone let me know so I can jump on this or steer clear of it.

Gary

Bummer closest atm or branch is in Indio, Ca. Has anyone in Los angeles tried this? how are we suppose to make the initial deposit?

I never heard of this bank. Is this a legit bank? I hope it's not some scam site trying to get your personal info. Someone let me know so I can jump on this or steer clear of it.

Gary

There is one down the street from me. Had a business account there years again. They are legit.

There is one down the street from me. Had a business account there years again. They are legit.
Thanks! Can anyone else besides the OP verify if this is legit?
Gary

does anyone know if chase or citibank would charge a fee for transferring online to open account?

Is the minimum transfer $100 or $50?

Thanks! Can anyone else besides the OP verify if this is legit?
Gary


what else would you like to make you sure it is legit???

These info I found on their website..
https://www.efirstbank.com/about-firstbank/who-we-are.htm
if not satisfied call them or google them..
they have been doing this promo since june last year...

I did apply but got the same page that says " the bank will contact before closing"

what else would you like to make you sure it is legit???

These info I found on their website..
https://www.efirstbank.com/about-firstbank/who-we-are.htm
if not satisfied call them or google them..
they have been doing this promo since june last year...

I did apply but got the same page that says " the bank will contact before closing"

Thanks.. just wanted someone else to say 'yeah, i know about this bank'. With all the phishing going on around the net you gotta be careful. I had my MC # lifted from me - I dunno how, thus my suspicions.

done.



Redemption page said "Flip UltraHD Video Camera, 1 hour"


What or where was the redemption page?

What or where was the redemption page?

https://www.firstbankrewards.com/

They just needed to verify information.Just over the phone, or do you have to mail/fax them more info?

Is the minimum transfer $100 or $50?

Minimum to get the deal is 50, but the minimum for initial funding by ach pull is $100. So unless, you're doing this in-branch or through mail, $100 is the effective minimum. No worries though. Just take it back out after the account is opened. $0 daily balance is ok.

Minimum to get the deal is 50, but the minimum for initial funding by ach pull is $100. So unless, you're doing this in-branch or through mail, $100 is the effective minimum. No worries though. Just take it back out after the account is opened. $0 daily balance is ok.
Don't some banks close your account if you have zero balance after some time? I know Chase does, and rather quickly too.

Don't some banks close your account if you have zero balance after some time? I know Chase does, and rather quickly too.

Their site says the daily minimum balance is $0. Most people will probably keep a few dollars in until they get the promo of course. As for myself, I'll probably just leave the full $100. Lost interest would only be a cent or two at most.

I never heard of this bank. Is this a legit bank? I hope it's not some scam site trying to get your personal info. Someone let me know so I can jump on this or steer clear of it.

Gary
http://www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main_bankfind.asp

looks legit since 1963 in colorado.

Does anyone know if they'll do a hard pull on credit?

What does this mean and why is it bad?

Does anyone know if they'll do a hard pull on credit?

I use to work at a bank and unless every bank does things differently, it is only a soft pull.

What does this mean and why is it bad?
Any time you have a hard pull on your credit, meaning you're applying for a loan, a credit card, etc, they pull your credit score, your credit history, the whole nine yards. This means it will be a hit on your credit. When you have too many hard pulls (inquiries) on your credit, then your credit score drops.

Only good for CA, AZ, and CO. OP change the title. 3 states, 130 locations.

Whatever happened to saying "Please"? :wave:

I use to work at a bank and unless every bank does things differently, it is only a soft pull.


Somes times their system does a hard pull even if you applied for checking only. It does happen.

They're legit.

I have a couple of business loans with them, a couple of checking and savings accounts. Have done business with them for 15 years, and while their rates aren't anything to brag about on a nationwide basis, they have excellent customer service.

The Flip has been one of their long-time promotions, though it used to not be the HD model.

Thanks! Can anyone else besides the OP verify if this is legit?
Gary

Flip UltraHD Video Camera - White, 4 GB, 1 Hour NEWEST MODEL $124 (http://www.amazon.com/Flip-UltraHD-Video-Camera-NEWEST/dp/B0040702IE)

Anyone think the above is similar to what we'd be getting?

They're legit.

I have a couple of business loans with them, a couple of checking and savings accounts. Have done business with them for 15 years, and while their rates aren't anything to brag about on a nationwide basis, they have excellent customer service.

The Flip has been one of their long-time promotions, though it used to not be the HD model.

I also have been doing business with them for the last 15 years, multiple types of accounts and a mortgage. They are legit. This promotion has been running for months, just not sure it was for the HD model.

The cost of the gift is considered interest and is subject to IRS and other tax reporting.

False advertising! This is a dividend and not a gift!
Highly doubt I would do business with a bank that starts their relationship with a lie.

False advertising! This is a dividend and not a gift!
Highly doubt I would do business with a bank that starts their relationship with a lie.

This is the same thing Chase does, BofA does, any time you get a benefit for opening an account. Not false advertising, standard business practice.

I am in Los Angeles and I gave this a spin. It said at the end that I will be contacted at the end of the next business day.

i just applied, but how do i get the redemption code? thanks.

Did you get a confirmation email? I applied last night, but did not get a confirmation email of the application.

Sweet deal if you are in their very limited service area. Thanks for posting OP!

Did you get a confirmation email? I applied last night, but did not get a confirmation email of the application.

I did not get any confirmation email too :(

Me neither..... no email? so strange.... normally banks will send out application confirmation email....

Very very limited area even in CA.

I don't know about First Bank Checking, but flips are awesome

Somes times their system does a hard pull even if you applied for checking only. It does happen.

I'm not sure why they would need to hard pull credit though. Really they only check for credit score...although they do check to see if you have an account in default at other banks, but none of that info shows up on your credit report... who knows. I was told it's a soft pull at my old bank so that's all I know.

False advertising! This is a dividend and not a gift!
Highly doubt I would do business with a bank that starts their relationship with a lie.


Right and you know this how :lmao:

I am a banker and banks only do a soft pull to see if you qualify for other products based on income and employment. It is illegal to do a hard pull without consent so unless it says in the terms & conditions they can not do a hard pull. Checking accounts are given by using whats call Chexsytems that check to see if youve had bad accounts else where or if youve gone majorly overdrawn numerous times


This is a gift for tax purposes and you will have to claim it on your taxes. Trust me the bank I work for has done these promotions and is doing a promotion for giving away free cash right now however I can assure you that you must claim it.

Same here. Applied last night. Didn't get any confirmation email or phone call today. Now start thinking if it is scam.

i called told them i'm from nor cal..they said it for for riverside ,ca only

i called told them i'm from nor cal..they said it for for riverside ,ca only

Ha. Why would it be on the website if its only for 1 city. I think I will try this

Did you get a confirmation email? I applied last night, but did not get a confirmation email of the application.

No confirmation e-mail. Just a phone call the next day.

Trust me the bank I work for has done these promotions and is doing a promotion for giving away free cash right now however I can assure you that you must claim it.BS, it's just a matter of time B4 your bank is indicted for money-laundering.


j/k

Ha. Why would it be on the website if its only for 1 city. I think I will try this

Riverside is a county too...

Do you have to go into one of their banks to open an account? Or can we open it on their website and receive the flip?

BS, it's just a matter of time B4 your bank is indicted for money-laundering.


j/k

lol what bank isnt guilty of that now a days :lol:

Like the etching on the back of the Bank of the West iPods, All video shot with these cameras will have a New First Bank logo on the bottom right of the screen. ;)

Do you have to go into one of their banks to open an account? Or can we open it on their website and receive the flip?

Can do it all online and over phone.

Does anyone know if they'll do a hard pull on credit?
I specifically asked and yes, its a hard pull....wish i had known :-(

Anyone hear from them today?

Thanks.. just wanted someone else to say 'yeah, i know about this bank'. With all the phishing going on around the net you gotta be careful. I had my MC # lifted from me - I dunno how, thus my suspicions.

Gary, PM me your MC # and I can help you find out who stole that account number.

I have developed a very sophisticated software that analyzes your purchase history against the people you know and have met within the last 25 years. The software maintains a vastly growing database of known and would be criminals. After several seconds of analysis, I can provide you a report of potential people that may have stolen your CC# for their personal gains.

Thanks
:D

There's a 1st bank down the street from my house. This is the first time in a while that I've opened an account just for the promo item, but what the hell. Thanks OP!

What luck, there's a branch right in town and an ATM just a mile away. I have a Flip Ultra right now, but I really want an HD version. Guess I'll even be able to sell my old non-HD one.

I spoke with Jackie and she said that there are about 18 or so "free gifts" to choose from. Once your deposit goes through you'll get a redemption code.

She also said first bank does hard pulls, and it is stated in T&C when you apply, because they give you immediate access to your funds after a deposit.

I guess I missed the part that said you have to be in Riverside Co. in order to get the free gift... nice lady just called to let me know. She was nice enough to delete my application.

I just got a phone call about my application as well. I am not eligible for the free gift because my permanant address is PA, even though I spend a lot of time in AZ with my job. Bummer, I was looking forward to getting the flip.

I was excited when I saw this title said First Bank, because there's one at the corner of my block. But this is FirstBank, (no space). :(

False advertising! This is a dividend and not a gift!
Highly doubt I would do business with a bank that starts their relationship with a lie.

I am not sure if you're kidding.

According to the IRS Publication 17 (2010)
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/ch07.html

Gift for opening account. If you receive noncash gifts or services for making deposits or for opening an account in a savings institution, you may have to report the value as interest.

For deposits of less than $5,000, gifts or services valued at more than $10 must be reported as interest. For deposits of $5,000 or more, gifts or services valued at more than $20 must be reported as interest. The value is determined by the cost to the financial institution.

Example.

You open a savings account at your local bank and deposit $800. The account earns $20 interest. You also receive a $15 calculator. If no other interest is credited to your account during the year, the Form 1099-INT you receive will show $35 interest for the year. You must report $35 interest income on your tax return.

I guess I missed the part that said you have to be in Riverside Co. in order to get the free gift... nice lady just called to let me know. She was nice enough to delete my application.

Same here.

I was excited when I saw this title said First Bank, because there's one at the corner of my block. But this is FirstBank, (no space). :(

Sorry. fixed title.

Sorry. fixed title.
No biggie, I'm probably the only one who sees these small things, haha.

I'm not sure why they would need to hard pull credit though. Really they only check for credit score...although they do check to see if you have an account in default at other banks, but none of that info shows up on your credit report... who knows. I was told it's a soft pull at my old bank so that's all I know.

Believe me it happened to me that's why I am saying. Exception...system error whatever you call it...

Thanks! Can anyone else besides the OP verify if this is legit?
Gary

I've had an account for over 6 months now after setting up one after the $50 free w/checking. The bank exists, decent customer service.

any 1800 number to call and check on the application??
I applied yesterday and I am yet to receive call from the bank??

Got a call from them from my application a couple hours ago. Initially they said that I was outside of the area to get the Flip, but then I informed them the address I gave was from Riverside county (I do live in Riverside county). She checked, said I was eligible and so I set up the account.

Free Flip for me. Thanks OP!

Got a call. I'm outside their trade area, and not eligible for the promotion. Oh well. I appreciate that they called.

Spoke to a nice CSR. Offer is avail for N. Calif, even though branch is only down in S. Calif. Flip HD is the 4GB version.

Spoke to a nice CSR. Offer is avail for N. Calif, even though branch is only down in S. Calif. Flip HD is the 4GB version.

what..I got a call that I am not eligible b'cos I live out of area..
Did you call or they called ?

what..I got a call that I am not eligible b'cos I live out of area..
Did you call or they called ?

I called to verify whether N. Calif is eligible.

I just got a call that says I don't live in the Riverside area and I don't qualify for the promotion. I'm up in N. Caliornia. She said she would cancel my application. This is total false advertising.

I just got a call that says I don't live in the Riverside area and I don't qualify for the promotion. I'm up in N. Caliornia. She said she would cancel my application. This is total false advertising.
same here..this is total BS..:(

False advertising would be if they let you open the account and then didn't give you the gift. They told you they couldn't open the account. They didn't advertise accounts for everyone everywhere.

Spoke to a nice CSR. Offer is avail for N. Calif, even though branch is only down in S. Calif. Flip HD is the 4GB version.
I was told "No' for norcal so you're lucky.
Gary

boo. yeah i just verified, only riverside. that sucks. they cancelled my app

limited trade area, reported as interest, and hard to to credit = not worth it

False advertising would be if they let you open the account and then didn't give you the gift. They told you they couldn't open the account. They didn't advertise accounts for everyone everywhere.
they advertised a free flip for opening an account. I opened an account. They said I would not get the gift because I am not in their trade area. There is no definition of what their trade area is. As far as I know, the trade area could be the states they do business in like California, Colorado, and Arizona. They never said I couldn't open the account. They just said I wouldn't get the gift.

Same here. Not in trade area. Hard pull done. They should define what trade area is. Waste of their time and ours.

Same here. Not in trade area. Hard pull done. They should define what trade area is. Waste of their time and ours.


I asked them to update their website to define their trade area so others don't sign up if they aren't going to qualify for the gift. The CSR said she would pass along the information but I doubt they will do anything.

they advertised a free flip for opening an account. I opened an account. They said I would not get the gift because I am not in their trade area. There is no definition of what their trade area is. As far as I know, the trade area could be the states they do business in like California, Colorado, and Arizona. They never said I couldn't open the account. They just said I wouldn't get the gift.

So you made a deposit, transfered funds etc?

Total crock.....they only have 5 locations in California, all in the Palm Desert area. Flagrant mid-advertising allowing people to open accounts thinking they're getting the Flip then calling them after the account is opened to say, "sorry"....these shysters should be reported to the BBB and State AG.

I asked them to update their website to define their trade area so others don't sign up if they aren't going to qualify for the gift. The CSR said she would pass along the information but I doubt they will do anything.

Same here. I asked that they clarify "trade area." First, the CSR tried to say it made sense. I said it didn't. The CSR did say they were getting alot of requests from the ad. They should see that this is a waste of time and a clearer ad would help not waste their time.

Just got the call....DENIED! No go for Angelinos. Riverside County only. :(

It looks like they removed the banner advertising the free FlipHD.

It looks like they removed the banner advertising the free FlipHD.
i still see it

Just got the call....DENIED! No go for Angelinos. Riverside County only. :(
someone should update the thread/title to certain counties only

the only branches near L.A. are in Palm Springs Area

I have had issues with these guys before. They were advertising a free gift card for opening a checking account so I went in and started the paperwork and before I knew it they had credit card applications in front of me saying I had to open a credit card account also to get the gift card and by that time they had already ran my credit and did a hard pull. This place is a joke so beware. Good luck to those that signed up. I hope they don't change the gift on all of you like it says they can do in the fine print.

Just got the call....DENIED! No go for Angelinos. Riverside County only. :(

I was under the impression that it was First Bank when it's in fact 1st Bank. Had I realized that I wouldn't have bothered.

In case any of you are wondering where you free Flip is, below is a message I got from them in response to my inquiry via bankmail:

From:
Customer Service
Date & Time:
02/01/2011 05:50 PM
Subject:
Re: promotion
Message:
Dear XXX,

Thank you for your inquiry. I apologize for the delay. The promotional code for the free Flip UltraHD video camera will be sent to you by Friday, February 4th by bank mail. We send them out 7-10 days after the account is funded. Your account was funded on January 25th.

Please contact a customer service representative at (800) 964-3444 with additional questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Teresa Martinez
Internet Banking Supervisor

>>> XXXX 02/01/11 - 04:04 PM >>>
I have not received any communication regarding the free Flip UltraHD video camera that was promised for opening this account with you. Please inform me when and how I will be receiving it.
Thanks,
XXXX

:wave:
And if anyone is interested in the other reward choices.. this is what I see

Daiwa Sweepfire Spinning Combo SW2500
Krups Coffee, Herb and Spice Mill
Cuisinart Sandwich Grill
ltec Lansing Orbit M Speaker System
Jabra Bluetooth Headset BT2080
North Face Jester Day Pack
iHome Dual Alarm Clock Speaker System for iPod iH22
Pentax 8x20 MCF-II Jupiter Binoculars SW2500
Krups Espresso Machine
Jansport Big Student Backpack
Jabra Speakerphone SP200
Altec Lansing MUZX Headphones with Mic and Call Function
Intuitive Stainless Steel 2-Slice Capacity Toaster
Apple 2GB Shuffle
Fry's $100 Gift Card
Flip UltraHD™ Video Camera- 1 hr

Just received mine in the mail today.

u260w

http://www.amazon.com/Flip-UltraHD-Video-Camera-NEWEST/dp/B0040702IE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297128438&sr=8-1

is this still alive? the site shows an ipod touch as one of the free gift now.for those that have opened this account, how much have u funded the account with? Also, how can they verify your address?

I can use my girls address who is in riverside even though I am not.

anyone?